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Inside The Magic Studio: Neal Oliver

Robert Martin interviews Neal Oliver, winner of Grand Prix Las Vegas and finalist of Grand Prix Oakland, in this episode of Inside The Magic Studio.


This is Inside The Magic Studio with your host Robert Martin, the interview podcast with the best in Magic: The Gathering. My guest this episode is Neal Oliver.

0:45 – 2:14 – When did you first start playing Magic and why?

2:14 – 3:40 – What got you into competitive Magic?

3:40 – 4:30 – Going back to those midnight drafts, are those some of the best experiences you’ve had in Magic?

4:30 – 5:33 – You decided to go to the world’s largest Grand Prix. What was your inspiration to do this?

5:33 – 6:46 – After reading your article, you tried for three byes, but it didn’t go so well.

6:46 – 7:16 – What was your mindset after starting 0-1?

7:16 – 8:21 – How did you feel after going from 0-1 to X-1?

8:21 – 9:07 – When you’re starting day 2, you’re in your draft pod and looking around the table. What was the first thing you thought?

9:07 – 9:45 – Your name is at the top of the leaderboard going into the last pod. Were you nervous, excited, or a little of both?

9:45 – 10:37 – What was your plan for Top 8?

10:37 – 11:24 – What was the reaction from people when you won your first Grand Prix?

11:24 – 12:11 – Did you feel any pressure at Grand Prix Oakland?

12:11 – 13:18 – Your opponent in the semifinals of Grand Prix Oakland was Ben Lundquist. What are your thoughts on that match?

13:18 – 14:14 – Your last opponent was Hall of Fame member elect William Jensen. When you sat across the table from him, were you nervous at all?

14:14 – 15:02 – With two great finishes in your last two Grand Prix, what are your plans for the year in Magic?

15:02 – 16:11 – So you are going to the Pro Tour. Who have you been working with in preparation for the event?

16:11 – 16:55 – When you go to the Pro Tour, who are you looking forward to playing against?

16:55 – 18:00 – Being on coverage for a Pro Tour is a uniquely different experience from being on coverage for a Grand Prix. Are you looking forward to potentially being under the camera?

18:00 – 18:55 – You are sponsored by Magic Traders Online. How did they become your sponsor?

18:55 – 19:11 – Do you write regular articles for them?

19:11 – 19:26 – Do you have a Twitch account?

19:26 – 19:43 How much does your girlfriend support how much Magic you have to play?

19:43 – 19:55 – Does she play Magic?

19:55 – 21:08 – How will your job affect how many events you will be able to go in the next calendar year?

21:08 – 22:10 – How much does being an SAT tutor help you play Magic?

22:10 – 22:39 – In a nutshell, you’re basically living the dream?

22:39 – 23:34 – What are you early thoughts on Theros?

23:34 – 24:09 – How much Magic Online do you play?

24:09 – To End – Do you consider yourself a grinder?

You can reach the show via email at [email protected] to share your thoughts, feedback, and guest ideas.

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